I have been in the mood for embroidery lately. It is fun, soothing, and makes for awesome gifts. This is the little wall hanging I finished last weekend: it measures 12" x 13", with simple quilted lines, and a bit of fall colors to frame everything. The green ric-rac adds whimsy and evokes the green of the flowers which I chose not to use on the embroidery. I wanted the center block to stand out and so I kept the borders (and quilting) simple. I used DMC thread for the embroidery, and … [Read more...] about Embroidery Giveaway
FMQ tutorial
One of the ways I mark projects for quilting is by tracing the image I want to quilt onto Golden Threads paper. It allows me to be a little bit more precise as I freemotion quilt, and the design possibilities are endless. Here is how I do it: 1. Choose the design you want. The design above is from the book Designs for Continuous Line Quilting by Shirley Thompson (page 55): I looked everywhere but could not find a link for you to purchase it should you be interested. Maybe you can find … [Read more...] about FMQ tutorial
Wedding Rings Quilt
It is time to bring out my favorite table topper of the season... These warm colors brighten up my dining area and I don't put anything on top of the quilt as I like to see all of it! The solid rings against the print background emphasize the double wedding ring design. Thousands of leaves make sure we don't forget which season we are in! It took forever to FMQ them but it was worth it. For the rings I used the template and fusible web for the Double Wedding Ring by Quiltsmart. This product … [Read more...] about Wedding Rings Quilt
Shirt Upcycle
A couple of years ago I made this apron using one of my husband's old denin shirt. I got the idea from the book Kitchen Stitches which has awesome projects, compiled by Karen M. Burns from Martingale (see original post here). I really liked all the projects in the book but this apron caught my attention. I raided Chuck's closet and found the perfect candidate for a makeover! I added a cool trim as well as multi-colored ric-rac I had purchased in Brazil. I love the … [Read more...] about Shirt Upcycle
Christmas gifts
(All photographs by Brent Kane for Martingale. Used by permission.) I have been working on Christmas gifts at home and longing for the gatherings, the smell of yummy confections in my kitchen, and the surprised look that family and friends give me as they open the packages with the gifts I made. Handmade gifts are wonderful: they make you feel good as you work on them, they bring joy to the recipients. If you enjoy making gifts as much as I do, you will probably like this book by Pat … [Read more...] about Christmas gifts
Crochet Hat/Scarf
Although I was on vacation in San Diego, CA, last week, I had to work on some type of craft, or I would have gone mad. I did some embroidery (will show it soon) but made a run to the yarn shop after I received the book "Celtic Cable Crochet" by Bonnie Barker for review. Oh... the patterns are sooooooooo beautiful! I am in love with the cardigans, shawls, cowls... All instructions are very straight forward and easy to follow. The last chapter has step-by-step photographs of the foundation … [Read more...] about Crochet Hat/Scarf